Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Guided Hike Madeira

Overview

This full-day guided group hike takes you along the high mountain trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest point on Madeira. We collect you from your hotel in Funchal, drive up to the start of the path, and a certified mountain guide leads you across ridges, tunnels and viewpoints above the clouds. It is a demanding walk of about eight hours in total, best for confident hikers in good shape who want Madeira's most dramatic scenery.

Highlights

• Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest summit
• Certified mountain guide who chooses the safest route for the day
• Hotel pickup and return from main hotels in Funchal
• Volcanic ridges, rock tunnels and viewpoints above the cloud line
• Coffee stop at a local café and photo stops at the miradouros
• Mountain walk permit reserved for you; the fee is paid to the guide

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in FunchalWe collect you from the main hotels and bus stops in the pickup area, with a drive of about one and a half hours up to the mountains.
2. Pico do ArieiroThe guide briefs the group and the hike begins from the viewing platform, with photo stops and scenic views for roughly three and a half hours of walking.
3. Miradouro Pedra RijaA short stop of about ten minutes at a viewpoint over the valleys.
4. Pico RuivoYou reach the highest point on Madeira and stop for about ten minutes of photographs and views.
5. Local caféA coffee break of about ten minutes before the last transfer.
6. Return to FunchalA drive of around one and a half hours takes you back to your hotel or pickup point.

What's included

• Certified mountain guide
• Hotel pickup and transport from main hotels in Funchal
• Transport back to your hotel at the end of the walk
• Reservation of the mountain walk permit
• Coffee stop at a local café on the way
• Photo stops at the viewpoints

Not suitable for

• Children under 11 years and babies
• People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users
• People with vertigo or a fear of heights
• Visually impaired people
• People with a low level of fitness

Meeting point

The default option includes pickup from main hotels and bus stops in Funchal, with drop-off at the same points. You choose your pickup address during checkout and we confirm the exact pickup time after booking, usually a short time before the morning departure. Pickup from outside the main Funchal area may carry a supplement.

Important information

• Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip, and bring a sun hat, sunscreen and a light jacket, as it is much cooler at the summit than on the coast.
• Bring plenty of water and a snack; picnic food and drinks are not included.
• The mountain walk permit is reserved for you, but its fee is paid to the guide on the day.
• The route is demanding, with many steps and exposed sections, and the guide's decision on the route is final.
• Mountain weather changes quickly; if the main trail is unsafe or closed, the guide may offer an alternative walk instead.
• A guide in English is always provided; other languages cannot always be guaranteed.
• Not suitable for children under 11 years, wheelchair users, people with vertigo or low fitness.